Loch Norman Highland Games, Huntersville

Like a drag show, the centerpiece of the Loch Norman Highlands Games is men in skirts. However, these guys will be in kilts while competing in feats of strength, like tossing a 20-foot-long tree trunk—aka "caber"—or an 18-pound clachneart stone—aka "stone of strength" or "really big rock." Beyond the heavy lifting, the three-day event showcases the food, whisky, Celtic music, and Highland dancing that Scottish folks have been celebrating since the 14th century. And yes, there will be bagpipes.